After careful consideration, Erica Williams has been selected as this year’s scholarship recipient! Erica has been granted $3000. The Scholarship judges were so impressed with everyone’s submissions, they awarded $300 to each of the 8 other applicants as well. Lauren is a graduate of our 2019 YEA! Chicago cohort and will be studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Southern California this fall, which is considered one of the best schools in the country for this area of study.

“I am extremely honored to be the recipient of the Jean Shuman Memorial Scholarship, as it not only provides me with the financial support to help me achieve my goals as I head into college but it also serves as a reminder of the important values instilled in me through my participation in YEA! Chicago. To me, YEA! was more than just a program, it was a place for me to grow as I learned how to problem-solve and communicate effectively. To this day, YEA! has ignited an entrepreneurial spirit within me that I hope to keep exploring in the future. Along with that, this coming fall I will be majoring in industrial engineering at the University of Southern California to lead to my ultimate career goal of improving the planning and design processes within minority-run job sites, creating more efficient environments while also making sure diversity and inclusion is prioritized in the workplace. I’ve always been keen on increasing opportunities for others, and through this path and with the support from YEA! and the Jean Shuman Scholarship I will be able to do just that.”

The Jean Shuman Memorial Scholarship was established by Edgar Shuman and his family as a tribute to his late wife. Jean, a Pittsburgh, PA native, attended the Julliard School of Music. Following graduation, she appeared at Radio City Music Hall and in Broadway shows. Later, while raising her children, she continued to touch thousands of people with her deep love and understanding of classical and popular music, performing at festivals, supper clubs, and concerts throughout the United States and Canada. Jean had a lifelong commitment to education – and even started saving for her future children's’ college education on her honeymoon. She was recognized by all that knew her as a truly kind and compassionate person and was appreciated for her lifelong commitment to her family and art. Read more about the Jean Shuman Scholarship for YEA! Chicago graduates HERE.

As this year’s scholarship recipient, Erica has demonstrated the YEA! values and the integrity, courage, and skills necessary to thrive in business and life. Congratulations Erica!